A whole bunch of continental leagues are enjoying their winter break as the cold weather hits Europe, but there’s still a good amount of exciting action with Real Madrid and Chelsea two clubs under pressure and needing wins.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend Malaga v Real Madrid Spanish La Liga, Sunday 8pm (CET)
Jose Mourinho is under increasing pressure after a difficult season for Real, where they are well off the pace in La Liga and failed to top their Champions League group, leading to a tough Round of 16 tie with Manchester United. Real face fourth-placed Malaga this weekend in a mouth-watering fixture between two outfits full of quality. While Real have Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo, Malaga have talent such as Joaquin and Javier Saviola.
Valladolid v Barcelona Spanish La Liga, Sunday 6pm (CET)
It’s been a tough week for Barca with manager Tito Vilanova having to step aside due to a recurrence of cancer. There’s no doubt they’ll be keen to continue his good work in his absence as they strive for the title, where they are currently in the box seat with a nine-point buffer over second-placed Atletico Madrid, who they impressively beat 4-1 last week. Lionel Messi will be looking for another double after his recent run and he’s also going to be eager to score again in his final game of his record-breaking year.
AS Roma v AC Milan Italian Serie A, Saturday 8.45pm (CET)
This match pits two of Italy’s traditionally strong clubs, but currently they are both off the pace in the title race. Roma are sixth, two points ahead of seven-placed Milan but both sides have found form in recent weeks. Roma did slump to a surprise 1-0 loss at Chievo Verona last week but had gone a winning run prior to that, while Milan have won their past four in Serie A. There’s still hope to push for the top three but they can’t afford to lose here.
Swansea City v Manchester United English Premier League, Sunday 2.30pm (CET)
The leaders face a difficult trip to the Liberty Stadium to face 10th-placed Swansea City. Michael Laudrup’s side play some attractive football but they’ll do well to end Manchester United’s five-game winning run in the league. United could welcome Nemanja Vidic back to the starting line-up after injury in a major boost, while Robin van Persie was outstanding last week. Swansea have lost their past two games but were good against Tottenham.
Chelsea v Aston Villa English Premier League, Sunday 5pm (CET)
It’s been another tough week for new Blues boss Rafa Benitez after they came home from Japan without the Club World Cup following their loss in the final to Corinthians. Chelsea did knock off Leeds United in midweek but it’s not nearly enough to win over the fans, let alone ease the pressure. Aston Villa produced a clinical 3-1 win at Liverpool last week with Christian Benteke impressive and they’ll look for another heroic result.